Award in Volunteering Skills

The Award in Volunteering Skills at SCQF levels 3, 4 and 5 provides formal recognition of volunteering activity. Through participation in volunteering activities, candidates will develop a range of skills and personal development experiences which will help to prepare them for responsibility, further education and employment.

Candidates learn about the context of volunteering; plan a volunteering placement; review and reflect on their own skills and volunteering experience; and complete an investigative project.

This qualification is available in schools and colleges.

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Why deliver this qualification

The Volunteering Skills Award is open to all learners, regardless of age, academic experience or ability.

The achievement of other awards — such as the Saltire Award, Youth Achievement Award and the Duke of Edinburgh Award — can contribute towards the Volunteering Skills Award. These other awards exist for people under the age of 25, however the Volunteering Skills Award has the added advantage of being open to learners of any age.

The Award may be delivered in schools, colleges, community organisations and Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs). Delivery is flexible to suit the needs of individuals or groups and can be adapted to take into account whether candidates already volunteer or are new to volunteering.

Centres may deliver the Volunteering Skills Award to candidates who already volunteer within their own institutions. This means that social and fundraising committee members, class reps, school/college council reps, student mentors, and learners who carry out other important roles can have their contributions acknowledged.

Achievement of this Award is nationally recognised.

Who does this qualification suit

The Award is suitable for candidates with no previous volunteering experience, candidates who are currently volunteers, and those preparing to be volunteers.

Potential candidates include:

S3–S6 pupils

College students

Adult returners

Anyone in a volunteering role

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Progression

This qualification may provide progression to:

Further study

SCQF level 4 from level 3

SCQF level 5 from level 4

NC Working with Communities at SCQF level 6 (G9YN 46)

HNC Working with Communities at SCQF level 7 (G7KM 15)

Co-ordinating Volunteers at SCQF level 6 (G8NJ 04)

Managing Volunteers at SCQF level 7 (G8NK 04)

PDA Volunteering Management at SCQF level 8 (G917 48)

Employment in the voluntary sector or volunteer management

Approval

Centres with devolved authority are eligible to seek approval through their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will have to come forward for approval and should contact the Business Development Team for guidance in completing the combined CA1/SA1 form.

How to assess

A wide range of methods can be used to assess the Volunteering Skills Award. Assessment methods may include written and recorded oral evidence and performance evidence, leading to the compilation of a portfolio. The portfolio may comprise elements such as candidate notes, logbook and assessor observation checklists.

Assessment Support Packs (ASPs) for all three mandatory Units are available to download from SQA's secure site.

Where can you take this course?

Location (UK only):

Qualification content and delivery tools

Information about the qualification(s)

National Occupational Standards

Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.